JEFFERSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE

The first courthouse on this lot, which was donated by Charles Washington, was built in 1808. It was replaced in 1836, and is the nucleus of the present structure. Damaged during the Civil War, the county seat moved temporarily to Shepherdstown, but returned to Charles Town. The building was restored and enlarged, with a wing being added in 1916. The red birck Georgian Colonial edifice has a predimented gable end with a tall portico supported by four Doric columns.

The courthouse was the site of John Brown's trial in 1859.